WEST CHESTER, PA — Recognizing that young adult cancer patients and survivors face unique challenges, ETHOS Treatment LLC is launching a virtual therapy program for Pennsylvania residents aged 18-35 who are currently in treatment and those who are now cancer-free.
Clinicians Jenn Attaquin, LPC, CCTP, and Carlie Spaeder, MA, will lead virtual group sessions on Wednesdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. “In addition to allowing us to connect with individuals throughout the state, meeting virtually helps support and protect immunocompromised group members,” says Attaquin, who was 20 years old when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
“We’ve created the program to help these individuals connect with other young adults who are facing similar struggles,” adds Spaeder. “Young adults with cancer are often treated at children’s hospitals, where they have no peer connection, or alongside older adults, missing out on the support of their contemporaries.”
Like Attaquin, Spaeder is also a cancer survivor, having been diagnosed with Chordoma, a form of bone cancer at age 22.
“Both of us felt isolated when going through treatment,” Spaeder continues. “At a time when we were most vulnerable, we had no one else to talk to who truly understood. Young adulthood is a hard part of life for everyone. You’re transitioning out of school, starting to work, and living on your own — putting cancer on top of that is tough.”
Once out of treatment, young adults who are now cancer-free often face difficulties on several fronts. They may have missed out on typical life milestones and found themselves isolated at a time in their lives when their peers are expanding their social circles and learning how to navigate more complex relationships. They have likely experienced social, educational, or career interruptions at crucial periods of development. They may have scars, hair loss, and lingering physical health issues as a result of their treatment. Mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD are common.
“What makes our group unique is that it is not just a peer-led support group, which many hospitals have,” says Attaquin. “It is peer-led by licensed clinical therapists with personal and professional expertise in the field. We won’t just be venting — we’ll be working on treatment plans to improve wellness and mental health. I struggled a lot during and after my cancer treatment and would have done a lot better more quickly if a group like this was available.”
Both Attaquin and Spaeder agree that they wish they had this opportunity. “You don’t have to feel alienated. There is a community available,” Spaeder adds.
With outpatient treatment centers in Philadelphia, West Chester, Plymouth Meeting, Collegeville, Broomall, Jenkintown, and Wyomissing, as well as Telehealth, ETHOS helps adults and adolescents with mental health issues and substance use disorders through individual counseling, small group, and family therapy. Several locations also offer specialty programs for people with gambling disorders and eating disorders, as well as groups specifically for first responders and people who have experienced trauma.
For more information about ETHOS, visit www.ethostreatment.com. For more information about the Program for Young Adult Cancer Patients and Survivors, call 267-669-0300.
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About Ethos Treatment
Ethos Treatment LLC is a behavioral healthcare provider accredited by The Joint Commission to treat mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Licensed clinicians lead Intensive Outpatient Programs in Pennsylvania via telehealth and at seven locations: Broomall, Collegeville, Jenkintown, Philadelphia, Plymouth Meeting, West Chester and Wyomissing. Ethos accepts most insurance.
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